No Bake Chocolate Banana Oat Protein Squares
I made these when I wanted something chilled, chocolatey, and easy to cut into snack squares for the week ahead. Banana brings that familiar cozy sweetness, the oats make them satisfying, and the creamy cottage cheese base gives them a soft texture that feels much richer than the short ingredient list suggests.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
Methods:
Line an 8 inch square pan or small dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang to help lift the bars out later.
Blend the cottage cheese, banana, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy like a thick chocolate spread.
Pour the blended mixture over the oats in a large bowl and stir until every oat is coated and the mixture begins to hold together.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and nuts if using. These small bits add texture and make the squares feel more treat like.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top and packing it tightly so the squares slice cleanly after chilling.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully firm. The resting time gives the oats time to soften and the flavors time to come together.
Cut into squares and keep chilled. They taste like a cold chocolate banana snack bar with a creamy center and chewy finish.
Nutrition: 175 kcal | 7 g protein | 18 g carbs | 9 g fat
